I built in a Norcold unit that used about 4 Ah. You can see that build on our "Projects" web page at; http://www.svguenevere.com/prep/proj/freezer/

During our last refit, I had to get behind that build to get to the chain plate nuts, so had to rip it out. That was NOT a bad thing as I replaced it with an Engel unit that I have just dropped in. I am now using a LOT less power to run the system! BUT, the drop in unit I had to use to fit the area is smaller than the Norcold. So, we lost a bit of space. Jill would not let me cut the teak so I was restricted in size.

I AM following my words at the bottom of that page. I wrote; "If I had it to do over?

I think that if we were not planning to go off-shore, and into tropical waters, I would have built a shelf where the ice box was, bought the same type of unit, and just strapped it in place and used it that way. New units like the Norcold we bought can now be purchased for a lot less than our unit's list price. They also come in more sizes. They are made by Engel, and you can see them at: http://engel-usa.com/. "

By the way, I did a test during our last summer in the Sea of Cortez. I had the built in Norcold unit. I also had our Engel AND a Waeco unit in the aft cabin. I used each in rotating order for a few days. The Engel unit used way less power than the others at the time. As of now, the Norcold hit the trash, the Engel is in the boat and the Waeco goes in the car for long trips (NOT running when the car is not running).

Greg